UCLA basketball: JC guard De'End Parker signs

Junior-college guard De'End Parker signed a letter of intent with UCLA on Wednesday, the school announced.

Parker (6-6, 215) will be a junior next season after transferring from City College of San Francisco. He averaged 12.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.0 steals per game and shot 43.0 percent on 3-pointers to help lead the Rams to a state title last year.

"We are extremely excited about De'End Parker joining our basketball program and family," Coach Ben Howland said. "He will give us immediate help as a transfer with the loss of our starting wings (Malcolm Lee and Tyler Honeycutt).

"He is a very good athlete and a great competitor, but most of all, he is an outstanding young man that will represent UCLA to our expectations in all aspects. He's a great kid and has been very well coached."

Parker's Rams beat Citrus College, 83-81, in the 2011 California Community College Athletic Association championship game thanks to a Parker tip-in with less than three seconds remaining.

"When UCLA offered me a scholarship, I was really excited, and I knew it was a no-brainer after speaking with my family,” Parker said. “I have spoken to the UCLA coaches and know that I can come in and make an immediate impact.

"I'm excited about getting the opportunity to play because my natural position is on the wing as an off-guard. UCLA produces the most NBA players and I'm very thankful to have the chance to come in and compete."

Parker joins San Diego guard Norman Powell (6-3, 200) from the 2011 class. Howland said Tuesday he might try to add another player.

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